PHENOMENAL!!!

While in New York seeing the Color Purple on Broadway (which is excellent), I stopped in for some music at Virgin. I have samples from this CD, but didn't have the actual CD.

I bought it and ****....it's really, really dope.

Hot on the heels of Gilles' brand new radio show on the Giant Step jukebox comes a smoking review of his new double CD 'The BBC Sessions, Vol. 1' dropping in 2 weeks. Pre-order coming to giantstepstore.net very soon ....

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‘Gilles Peterson Presents The BBC Sessions, Volume 1’ (Ether Music)

Unless you reside on Mars, you’ve probably heard the name Gilles Peterson. Regarded as one of the most renowned and respected DJs in the world, he epitomizes perseverance and experience. Gilles has been involved in radio broadcasting since the age of 15 and currently produces his BBC Radio 1 show, “Worldwide,” which is nearing its 6th year on the air. Through his radio show, Gilles Peterson has become known for presenting diverse music and groundbreaking talent in a live format.

‘The BBC Sessions, Volume 1’ follows in the footsteps of his prior albums and further validates his reputation by offering a wide variety of artists and music - what he calls, “the very best tracks by the very best artists.” Recorded live at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios, this two-disc release is a melting pot of genres and styles. Some of the various artists showcased are: Fat Freddy’s Drop, Bjork, Bilal, The Heritage Orchestra, Zero 7, Jamie Cullumn, Beck and Common. Who but Gilles Peterson can take the listener from “This Room” with Fat Freddy’s Drop, to hanging out on “The Corner” with Common?

I won’t waste my hunt and peck on trying to name my favorite songs. Honestly, I’ve played both discs multiple times and I have yet to find a track that I like more than another. I will go on record for stating that this project is undeniably one of the finest compilations that Gilles has ever comprised, if not the finest! Not only does it show his commitment to presenting contrasting styles of music without bias or partiality, but it also serves as a testament to the fact that there is a power that is exclusive to live music; there is a release of raw emotion and expression that is often lost in multiple takes, overdubs, and the magic of digital editing.

After listening to the full recording and even after noticing how Gilles chose artists like Roots Manuva, Plantlife, and The Roots, it seemed as if there were underlying themes to his selections. This may or may not have been the case. But with tracks like “Sow Into You” by Roisin Murphy, “Seedpod” from Homelife, and Cody Chestnut’s “The Seed,” one thing is certain: Gilles Peterson definitely has a green thumb for great music.


Reviewed by Giant Step contributor K.D. Pee (kaedeepee)
October 2005
View kaedeepeeprofile’s profile: www.giantstep.net